Harare derby beckons

HARARE - In recent years the Harare derby pitting Dynamos and CAPS United has fallen short justifying its status as the flagship fixture in the Castle Premiership.

CAPS have failed to beat Dynamos in the league since 2009 and matches between the two sides have become one-sided affairs.

However, recent form suggests that this weekend local football fans are in for a treat when the inform Makepekepe hope to break their jinx against DeMbare at the National Sports Stadium.

Both teams will come into weekend’s match enjoying a very good run of form. It is a different case in the previous encounters where the Green Machine had to come into the derby off colour.

The Green Machine have won four of their last five matches with the only setback coming on June 7 when they lost to Chapungu at Ascot Stadium.

Trouble was brewing in the United camp as star midfielder Hardlife Zvirekwi pulled out of the match day squad on the morning of the match in protest over unpaid salaries and bonuses.

Makepekepe have put those problems behind them as harmony seems to prevail between the players and the management.

Since then, Taurai Mangwiro’s men have been on song picking up impressive wins over Shabanie Mine (3-0), Chiredzi (2-0) and Hwange (2-1).

The Green Machine warmed up for the weekend’s derby with a 2-1 win over Chicken Inn at Luveve Stadium over the weekend and now lye third on the log tied on 26 points with DeMbare.

Stand-in United coach Mike Madzivanyika was full of praises for his charges after their good performance against the Gamecocks.

"The boys played according to instructions and I am happy that we have taken our winning streak to four games. It is looking good for us at the moment and we just have to stay focused and continue to play good football," Madzivanyika said.

What also makes United’s recent resurgence remarkable is the fact that they have picked up two of those wins away from Harare.

Since the season started, Makepekepe had not won a match outside the capital before that 2-0 win over Chiredzi FC at Chishamiso Stadium in Chiredzi last month.

Makepekepe have definitely hit top gear at the right time ahead of the Harare derby and will go into the weekend’s match believing they now have what it takes to end DeMbare’s dominance in this fixture.

On the other hand, Dynamos also go into this fixture high on confidence after picking up 10 points from a possible 15 in their last five matches.

The Glamour Boys are in second place on the log ahead of United only on goal difference and trail log leaders Highlanders by a single point.

At the weekend, DeMbare beat Black Rhinos 2-1 at the National Sports Stadium with goals from returning striker Rodreck Mutuma and Ocean Mushure.

After the match Dynamos assistant coach Tichaona Diya said: “For our next game, we need to win against CAPS United. We know it’s a big game but we need to collect maximum points.”

The Glamour Boys are likely to draw inspiration from their impeccable record against United.

The last time the Green Machine beat DeMbare in the league was way back in 2009 when Nyasha Mushekwi struck a memorable brace before his move to Mamelodi Sundowns the following season.

Comments (10)

No to hooliganism. Derbies are not judged by history. Players themselves know what is at stake. Come Sunday we will have a good game. I'm a Dynamos supporter, and one thing for sure Dynamos plays good football against Caps United.

Hameno ikoko ku National Sports Stadium. The boys in blue please it for us your supporters. Bulawayo Chapter.

Learnmore - 8 July 2014

caps will win the match 2 nill...go green and show them that green is life and even if the skies are not blue...the flora still flourish.........Shaisa mufaro....

Muringakumwe Benedict - 8 July 2014

Ehh, Dembare, mogowesa twakati wandei ipapa. Dembare bhoooooorah!

kitsi - 8 July 2014

When the green arrow points to the right at a robot controlled intersection, it means traffic turning to the right (CAPS) can as quickly as possible sneak in to right in front of oncoming traffic (Dynamos). Its time for the Green Machine to sneak and win. Please enjoy the game with the spirit of one family.

dobbs-one-four - 8 July 2014

It will be the same old story..DeMbare will win this encounter!

charles - 8 July 2014

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